Penny Dixon

Media:

Textiles

Exhibitions and News:

I am a feltmaker inspired by nature and produce contemplative textile homewares and accessories to make the wearer feel cherished. My work draws on a variety of skills from my experience of 3 dimensional construction and love of colour during my Fashion and Textiles degree at UCE, Birmingham. I also enjoy exploring the surface texture of wool and the possibilities of producing tactile surfaces reflecting the natural environment. I also have a Masters in Art, Health and Wellbeing and am fascinated by the therapeutic effect of working with our hands. My wearable artwork is a collection of brooches, scarves and gloves in delightful hues while my wall hangings and bowls reflect an organic earthy approach to our surroundings.Handmade felt takes time to produce – Come join the Slow Revolution.

Biography:

Graduating in 1993 from UCE with a degree in Fashion and Textiles, I pursued a career as a community artist for many years. I worked with a diverse range of groups from one year to a hundred years old. During this time I set up many regular art groups in conjunction with Birmingham City Council, local schools and Sure Start Childrens Centres.

I formalised all the knowledge I had gained with gaining a PGCE followed by a Masters in Art, Health and Wellbeing. I realised I was and still am fascinated by human interaction and believe we all have our own story to tell. I have a strong belief too that our stories are all interwoven which I like to think is reflected metaphorically in much of my own artwork.

I have worked on many community projects over the years – a favourite was the ‘Tolkien Boards’ at Hall Green Library. Most recently I worked on a collaborative project with Birmingham City University for the waiting areas in the intensive care unit at the QE Hospital in Birmingham. This involved listening carefully to stories, both happy and sad, of families who had experienced having had relatives in the unit.

I teach feltmaking at Mac Birmingham. Elsewhere I also currently work closely with traumatically bereaved families encouraging them to produce contemplative artwork. Another strand to my work is Penny Jane Designs, an online retailer offering a selection of hand felted luxury homewares and accessories for women.